FA sent Arsenal star written warning for 'over-celebrating' in London derby

The Football Association sent Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko a written warning for “over-celebrating” during the club's win over Fulham.

The Gunners have had an exceptional start to the season. Mikel Arteta’s side sit top of the Premier League, some five points clear of last season’s champions Manchester City.

Arsenal’s resurgence this term is partly down to the club’s summer business, spending £117million on Gabriel Jesus, Zinchenko, Fábio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos.

Indeed, so much was made of Jesus’ game-changing effect on Arsenal upon his £45million move from Manchester City.

After an injury-hit start, Zinchenko too is having a transformative effect on the table toppers from the left-back position.

Zinchenko’s “written warning”

According to a fresh Telegraph report, the Ukrainian international was given a written warning by the FA for over-celebrating.

A letter was sent to Zinchenko in August after the player’s exuberant celebrations in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham.

After Gabriel Magalhaes scored an 86th-minute winner, Zinchenko sprinted towards the corner flag, jumped on his teammates' backs and then pumped his fists at a jubilant Emirates crowd.

This was a problem for the FA because, well, Zinchenko was not playing in the game. He was not even on the bench.

The 26-year-old had been watching the match from behind the dugout, and his decision to join in on the celebrations effectively made him a pitch invader.

Zinchenko assured the FA that he would not storm the pitch again, and it has not happened since.